A three-year phase out of parachute flares is complete with the items no longer recognised as safety compliant on WA waterways.
Major changes to safety equipment requirements were announced in 2023 with the aim of simplifying the laws and making better use of the available technology. The changes gave skippers the option of carrying an Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) rather than flares, when using a GPS-enabled Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in unprotected waters more than 400 metres from shore.
To simplify requirements skippers were also put on notice that from 1 September 2026 only red and orange handheld flares would be accepted and the use of parachute flares was being phased out.
Skippers should responsibly dispose of old, non-compliant flares. Out-of-date or unserviceable flares should not be put in general rubbish because they can be dangerous and pose a fire risk.
There are further upcoming deadlines for upgrades to safety gear including having a GPS-enabled EPIRB or PLB and a VHF radio by 1 September 2028.
Follow the links below for information on this website:
- To view the list of DTMI approved disposal centres go to Find a Location
- What safety equipment do I need?
- Flares and EVDS
